HEART ATTACK symptoms can prove deadly, but men who have sex regularly could significantly reduce their risk of suffering.
Heart attacks occur when the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked, according to the NHS.
Symptoms, such as chest pain and an overwhelming feeling of dread, could be fatal – but having sex regularly may help reduce your risk if you are a man.
A 2010 study published in the American Journal of Cardiology revealed that frequent love making had a protective effect on the male heart.
Researchers discovered that men who slept with their partner at least twice a week were up to 45 per cent less likely to suffer from the condition.
This was compared to men who had intercourse just once a month or less.
Previously sex has been found by scientists to help sleep, make you look younger, boost your immune system and look after brain function.
Another study by the National Cancer Institute in the US revealed that men had lower risk of prostate cancer if they ejaculated through sex or masturbation at least five times a week.
However, there has been little past research into the impact of sex on heart health.
But in this study, researchers examined the heart health and sexual activity of over 1,000 men between 40 and 70 over a 16-year period.
They believed that the benefits of sex on the heart related to the its physical and emotional effects on the body.
It is thought that men who wanted frequent sex – and, importantly, were able to have frequent sex – were likely to be healthier than their counterparts.
Additionally, they suggested that sex, as a physical activity, could protect cardiovascular health.
Another possible reason was that men who had sex frequently might be in a happy, intimate relationship that reduced stress and provided social support, which could also help the heart.
However, more recently, a 2016 study indicated that having lots of sex could increase risk of heart complications.
The research, which was published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, showed that men aged between 57 and 85 who had weekly sex were more likely to experience heart problems than those who were not sexually active.
However, women in the same age range who were satisfied with their sex life had a lower risk of high blood pressure.
READ MORE: Do You Have a Heart condition? Here are the Signs To Watch Out For
